Understanding "Except" vs "Besides" and Similar Expressions: A Guide for ESL Learners

For learners of English as a second language (ESL), the words "except" and "besides" can be confusing because they often appear in similar sentence structures but convey opposite meanings. This post will clarify the differences between "except" and "besides" and provide alternative expressions that can be used in everyday conversation.

What Does "Except" Mean?

"Except" is used to exclude someone or something from a group or list. It indicates that a person or item is left out.

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Example Sentences:

• Everyone came except John.
  (Everyone came, but not John.)

• I like all the dishes except the salad.
  (I like everything but not the salad.)

In these examples, "except" clearly signifies exclusion.

What Does "Besides" Mean?

"Besides" is used to add information or indicate inclusion. It means in addition to something.

The original meaning of "beside" is "next to"

Example Sentences:

• Besides John, everyone came to the party.
  (John and everyone else came to the party.)

• I like all the dishes besides the salad.
  (I like the salad and everything else.)

"Besides" indicates inclusion, meaning "in addition to" or "also."

Key Differences Between "Except" and "Besides"

• "Except" = Exclusion (leaving out someone or something)
• "Besides" = Inclusion (adding someone or something)

Although the structures of sentences using these words can be similar, the meanings are quite different, which often confuses ESL learners.

What About "Except for"?

"Except for" is often used similarly to "except," but it tends to highlight a specific exception within a general statement.

Example Sentences:

• Everyone except for John went to the meeting.
  (Everyone went to the meeting, but John did not.)

• The trip was great except for the bad weather.
  (The trip was great, but the bad weather was an exception.)

"Except for" is typically more natural when referring to detailed exceptions in broader contexts, whereas "except" is more direct and general.

Alternative Expressions Similar to "Except for"

In addition to "except for," there are other phrases and phrasal verbs that convey similar meanings. Let’s look at a few examples:

1. But for:

• Example: Everyone but for John went to the meeting.
  (John was excluded; everyone else went.)
• Explanation: "But for" can sound a bit more formal than "except."

2. Other than:

• Example: Everyone other than John went to the meeting.
  (John was the only one who didn't go.)
• Explanation: "Other than" means "except" and is common in both written and spoken English.

3. Apart from:

• Example: Everyone apart from John went to the meeting.
  (John was left out; everyone else attended.)
• Explanation: Commonly used in British English, "apart from" carries the same meaning as "except."

4. Leaving out:

• Example: Leaving out John, everyone went to the meeting.
  (John wasn’t part of the group that went to the meeting.)
• Explanation: This is a more conversational, casual way to express exclusion.

Which Expression is Most Common in Everyday Conversation?

In informal, spoken English, the expressions "other than" and "apart from" are the most frequently used. Here’s why:

• Other than: This is simple, direct, and commonly used in daily conversations.
  • Example: Everyone other than John went to the meeting.
• Apart from: While more commonly used in British English, this phrase is also widely accepted in spoken language and sounds natural.
  • Example: Everyone apart from John went to the meeting.

Both phrases are versatile and fit well into everyday contexts, making them good alternatives to "except" and "except for."

How to Remember the Difference Between "Except" and "Besides"

To avoid confusion:

• "Except" is about excluding (leaving something or someone out).
• "Besides" is about adding (including something extra).

You can also think of "except" as excluding and "besides" as a bonus to help distinguish their meanings.

Conclusion: Using "Except," "Except for," and Alternatives Correctly

In summary:

• Use "except" or "except for" when you want to exclude someone or something.
• Use "besides" when you want to include something additional.
• For variety, try using alternative phrases like "other than," "apart from," or "leaving out" in your everyday conversation.

By understanding these differences, you can improve your English fluency and avoid common mistakes, especially when writing or speaking in English.